Can the clutch be fully released in Subject 2?
4 Answers
In Subject 2, the clutch should not be fully released, as it may cause excessive speed, which is not conducive to the test. Subject 2 primarily focuses on clutch control and speed management. Clutch Pedal Operation and Release Method: Choose the appropriate stepping position, place your left foot on the clutch, and press with the ball of your foot near the base of your toes. Key points for operating and releasing the clutch pedal: When pressing the clutch pedal, do it in one smooth motion. When releasing, naturally lift your knee. (When the clutch pedal is pressed, the two parts of the clutch separate, and the engine's power is not transmitted to the drive wheels; when the clutch pedal is released, the two parts engage, allowing the engine's power to be transmitted and the car to move.) Half-clutch refers to a state where power is not fully transmitted. Only by passing through the half-clutch state can the car start smoothly. How to sense the half-clutch position: Listen for the engine sound to become louder and feel the car body start to vibrate, indicating that the car has begun to move. Mastering the half-clutch position can prevent the car from jerking when starting. Function of the Clutch: The clutch serves to gradually engage the engine with the transmission, ensuring a smooth start. It temporarily disconnects the engine from the transmission to facilitate gear shifting and reduce impact during shifts. In emergency braking, it acts as a separator, preventing overload in the transmission and other drivetrain components, thus providing a certain protective function.
From my driving learning experience, you must never fully release the clutch in Subject 2. When I was practicing reverse parking, I made the mistake of thinking I could release it completely like an automatic transmission after shifting gears, only for the car to jerk forward and stall. The instructor was so anxious he kept slapping the car door, yelling 'Lift slower!'. Subject 2 requires semi-clutch control throughout, using slight foot adjustments to manage speed. For maneuvers like S-curves and parallel parking, steady speed is crucial for hitting reference points—it all depends on your left foot hovering like it's on a spring. Especially during hill starts, releasing too quickly will cause the car to roll back over 30cm, resulting in failure. Remember to keep your heel grounded as a pivot, gently lifting the ball of your foot as if stepping on a raw egg—the slight shudder of the car is your cue.
As a driving instructor who has taught thousands of students, I repeatedly emphasize that the clutch must be at half-engagement in Subject 2. All five items in Subject 2 operate within a 20cm margin of error, and the consequence of fully releasing the clutch is straightforward: the vehicle speed will become erratic. For instance, during reverse parking, when the steering wheel is turned to full lock, the tire resistance increases significantly. Fully releasing the clutch will either cause the car to speed up too quickly and cross the line or stall the engine directly. I instruct students to anchor their left heel on the floor and use the ball of their foot to perform a pendulum-like motion, with each movement not exceeding the thickness of a coin. The optimal control point is reached when the vehicle slightly vibrates or the tachometer needle drops to around 600 RPM. For hill starts with the brake, extra caution is needed—when the clutch is released until the front of the car slightly lifts, the brake must still be held for another two seconds before releasing.
After 10 years as a mechanic, I tell you: half-clutch is a life-saving technique for Exam 2. Most test cars use old Jettas with underpowered 1.4L engines. Fully releasing the clutch causes sudden RPM drops due to driveshaft engagement shock. From inspecting driving school vehicles, 30% of engine trouble codes come from students' frequent stalling. Especially during 90-degree turns - releasing too fast doubles curb collision risks. Remember the tachometer needle: release until 500 RPM when idling at 800 RPM. Thin-soled shoes give better vibration feedback than sneakers.
